Diagnosed with a degenerative hip disease at the age of eight, Johnson
turned to wheelchair basketball and started an outstanding career that
included three national titles at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from
2001-03. At the international level, he competed in five Paralympic games
winning gold in Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and London (2012) as well as
silver at Bejiing (2008). He also won gold for Canada at the 2006 Worlds and
played professional in Germany where he won European titles. Inducted into
the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, Johnson has been a player-
coach on many teams, and is a tremendous role model for disabled athletes.
On November 5, 2016, five athletes, two builders and two teams will be inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame at the 37th Annual Induction Ceremony at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. The 2016 inductees are:
These nine recipients join our exclusive group of Honoured Members who represent Manitoba’s finest in sport,” says Jamie Kraemer, President of the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. "This is an exceptional and well-deserving slate, as these inductees personify the type of excellence and achievement we strive to celebrate, showcase and preserve at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame."
- Dr. Cal Botterill, Sport Medicine/Builder
- Jim Heighton, All Round, Athlete
- Alanna (Yakiwchuk) Hinrichsen, Athletics, Athlete
- Joey Johnson, Wheelchair Basketball, Athlete
- Mike Keane, Hockey, Athlete
- Rhiannon Leier-Blacher, Swimming, Athlete
- John Reilly, Rugby, Builder
- 1971-74 University of Winnipeg Wesmen, Volleyball, Team
- 1985 Bob Ursel Team, Curling, Team
Tickets for the Induction Dinner go on sale September 1, 2016.
